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10 Best Humidifiers of 2024

Updated
Raise the humidity with these top humidifier picks.

A humidifier can help with dry air, skin irritation, and cold and flu symptoms. So, if you’re someone who struggles with any of these things, purchasing a humidifier might really help!

We’ve put together a list of the 10 best humidifiers, so you don’t have to spend hours searching. Broken down into categories, we’ll share our top humidifiers for individual needs.

To create this list, we looked at each product’s ability, output, tank capacity, and room coverage, among other details. Backed by real customer experience and expert advice, we’re confident you’ll find a quality option for your home.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Geniani Erie Humidifier
Best Personal Humidifier
Geniani Erie Humidifier
  • Ultra-quiet
  • Optional night light
  • Up to eight hours runtime
Product Image of the GeneralAire 1000A Humidifier
Best Furnace Humidifier
GeneralAire 1000A Humidifier
  • High mist output
  • Easy to install
  • Small size & weight
Product Image of the Levoit Cool Mist Humidifier
Best Filterless Humidifier
Levoit Cool Mist Humidifier
  • Long-lasting
  • Excellent 360-degree coverage
  • Ultra quiet under 30 decibels
Product Image of the Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier Diffuser
Best Diffuser Humidifier Combo
Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier Diffuser
  • Ultra quiet operation
  • Easy to maintain
  • Large 0.66 gallon capacity
Product Image of the Honeywell Home HE280A Whole House Humidifier, White
Best Whole House Humidifier
Honeywell Home Whole House Humidifier
  • Large coverage area
  • Easy to control
  • Easy to install
Product Image of the AquaOasis™ Cool Mist
Best Cool Mist Humidifier
AquaOasis™ Cool Mist
  • Customizable settings
  • 360 degrees rotating nozzle
  • Whisper quiet
Product Image of the Elechomes UC5501
Best Warm Mist Humidifier
Elechomes UC5501
  • Sleep mode
  • 60 hours of continuous use
  • Remote control for convenience
Product Image of the Levoit Ultrasonic Air Humidifier
Best Ultrasonic Humidifier
Levoit Ultrasonic Air Humidifier
  • High mist output
  • Warm & cool mist settings
  • 50 hour usage
Product Image of the Sharp PlasmaCluster Humidifier
Best Air Purifier & Humidifier Combo
Sharp PlasmaCluster Humidifier
  • True HEPA filter
  • Autoair quality control
  • Long filter life
Product Image of the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic
Best for Babies
Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic
  • Inexpensive
  • Night mode
  • Easy to clean

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we pride ourselves on providing thorough and reliable information to help you find the best humidifiers. Our team of professionals conducts hands-on testing, data analysis, and comparative research to evaluate products based on key criteria such as performance, efficiency, and user experience. We assess design choices, measure effectiveness, and share first-hand evidence to determine what sets each product apart from its competitors. Our comprehensive reviews are designed to assist you in making informed decisions by ranking humidifiers based on factors like ease of use, noise level, water tank capacity, and additional features, ensuring you make the best choice for your needs.



The Best Humidifiers of 2024

Now that you’re sure you need a humidifier for your home, it’s time to meet our 10 favorites. This list is based on real customer reviews, expert advice, and our own experience. You can be sure these humidifiers are all high-quality, with adequate coverage and output.

Let’s meet these 10 excellent humidifiers!

Geniani Erie Cool Mist Humidifier

Best Personal Humidifier

The Erie mini humidifier is one of our favorites. It’s designed for personal use, but that doesn’t compromise its power. It produces a strong, fine, cool mist that improves the air quality around you.

You can use the Geniani humidifier on the go. Simply plug the USB cable into your PC, laptop, outlet, or power bank. You can even use it in the car. Once the humidifier is charged, you can use it cordlessly — perfect for carrying it around wherever you go!

It also has an optional night light feature. You can find the perfect mood lighting for doing yoga, falling asleep, working, or for your baby’s room.

You can’t use essential oils in this one, but you can get a good scent. Just use water-soluble scented additives and put them into the water tank.

Pros

  • Ultra quiet, under 30 decibels.
  • Portable enough to take everywhere with you.
  • Optional night light.
  • Up to eight hours runtime.
  • Two mist modes to choose from.
  • One-year warranty included.

Cons

  • Scent doesn’t last long when you add additives.
  • Only lasts eight hours on intermittent mode.
  • Not the most durable.

Product Specs

Output Not specified
Tank Capacity 8.45 ounces
Room Coverage 65 square feet
Running Time Eight hours
Weight 8.8 ounces

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Noise Level
4.5 / 5
Capacity
3 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

From my experience, this product is a visually appealing desktop humidifier that is fairly quiet during the day but can be more noticeable at night. It's not the most effective at humidifying, but the light feature adds a nice touch to the ambiance. The smart setting and automatic shut-off are convenient, but be cautious of the product's longevity if you plan to use it frequently.

GeneralAire 1000A Humidifier, 120V

Best Furnace Humidifier

The GeneralAire 1000A Humidifier is our favorite furnace humidifier because it’s lightweight but powerful. The fan makes it efficient at evaporating water and creating more moisture.

A furnace humidifier is a type of humidifier that connects to your forced-air heating system. It works by delivering moist air throughout your whole house.

This machine may look small, but it’s actually designed to cover 3,000 square feet. It’s suitable for medium-sized houses.

The inside fan pulls warm air through the unit and its vapor pad. In return, it delivers moistened air through your duct system. This gives you better quality air and makes you feel more comfortable.

It also has an auto mode with an outdoor sensor for temperature control. You don’t need to turn it on or off. Plus, it automatically determines how much moisture is needed in your house.

Pros

  • Excellent maximum output (18 gallons per day).
  • Easy to install.
  • Small size and weight.
  • Great for large homes (up to 3,000 square feet).
  • Great customer service.

Cons

  • It makes a loud noise.
  • More expensive than other options.

Product Specs

Output 96 ounces per hour
Tank Capacity Connected to heating system (n/a)
Room Coverage 3,000 square feet
Running Time Automatic
Weight 10 pounds

Our Ratings

Performance
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
2.5 / 5
Capacity
4.5 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

After installing this product, I appreciated the ease of use and the large, clear backlit numbers on the humidistat. The unit itself operates well, but I noticed that it can be somewhat noisy when running, though not enough to be a major disturbance. I found the installation process manageable, with the most difficult part being cutting the opening for the humidifier in the furnace panel.

Levoit Ultrasonic Vaporizer

Best Filterless Humidifier

If you are looking for a good filterless humidifier, it’s probably because you want a low-maintenance product. With these, you don’t need to change the humidifier, which brings down the cost of keeping your humidifier running. No expensive filters to replace.

This popular filterless diffuser has many features. Levoit Cool Mist Humidifier increases humidity without annoying noises or a long wait. Its ultrasonic technology creates a cool mist without adding dampness to your home.

The ultrasonic air diffusion is excellent for your bedroom, office, nursery, and living rooms. It can help with dry skin, insomnia, and nose bleeds.

Another great feature customers love is that it’s blissfully quiet. It won’t keep you up at night while it’s switched on.

You can also use an essential oil and enjoy the aromatherapy experience, especially at night.

Pros

  • Long lasting (up to 60 hours straight).
  • Excellent coverage (360-degree rotation).
  • Ultra-quiet, under 30 decibels.
  • Works four times faster than other products.
  • You can operate it via an app or smart speaker.
  • You can add essential oils to the tank.

Cons

  • Might produce a white film in the surrounding area.
  • The unit is quite tricky to clean.
  • The built-in hygrometer isn’t always correct.

Product Specs

Output Not specified
Tank Capacity 1.58 gallons
Room Coverage 215 to 505 square feet
Running Time 60 hours
Weight 4.3 pounds

Our Ratings

Performance
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
4.5 / 5
Capacity
4 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

I'm extremely pleased with my LEVOIT Humidifier, as it has significantly improved my indoor air quality and overall well-being. With its 6-liter water tank, smart sensor, and remote control, this product has made my skin and hair feel more hydrated, and I now sleep soundly without any congestion issues. Not only has it benefited my health, but it's also helped my plants and pets by maintaining an optimal humidity level. The sleek design adds a touch of elegance to my home, and its easy cleaning and maintenance make it the best humidifier I've ever used.

Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier Diffuser

Best Diffuser Humidifier Combo

Remember when we said you could scent the air and add humidity to your home? Well, the Raydrop cool mist humidifier and diffuser can help with that. This is perfect for anyone who needs a little aromatherapy and extra moisture.

This good humidifier produces a cool mist without causing dampness. It also has smart features like an auto-shutoff.

It can run for up to 30 hours, so if you like to run a diffuser humidifier while you’re sleeping, this one will do the job. This diffuser promises a long-lasting scent throw, even after you’ve turned it off. What’s more, is that you have the freedom to choose your desired essential oil set with no exclusivity on the brand.

Its easy-to-fill design allows users to maintain the unit to avoid mold accumulation.

Pros

  • Ultra-quiet operation.
  • Easy to maintain and clean with top-fill design.
  • Large 0.66-gallon capacity.
  • Precise dial knob lets you control the output.
  • Works for up to 30 hours between refills.

Cons

  • Others find the light too bright at night.
  • The unit gets dirty quickly.

Product Specs

Output Not specified
Tank Capacity 0.66 gallons
Room Coverage 250 square feet
Running Time Up to 30 hours
Weight 1.94 pounds

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Noise Level
4.5 / 5
Capacity
3.5 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

As a user of this humidifier, I've found it incredibly easy to clean and fill, with no calcium buildup even when using tap water. It has a great capacity and can run all day on the highest setting, though some may wish it held even more water. While the mist output may not be strong enough for larger spaces, it works perfectly for smaller rooms and has helped improve my skin and maintain consistent humidity levels.

Honeywell HE280A Home Whole House Humidifier

Best Whole House Humidifier

Check out the Honeywell Whole House Humidifier if you want a humidifier that can benefit your whole home. This unit has a coverage of 4,000 square feet, ensuring generous flow throughout your home.

If your home feels dry, this can fix it quickly. We love that it’s efficient, too, reducing heat and saving on your energy consumption.

One of the most incredible things about it is the Flow-Through Technology. That ensures that no water sits in the reservoir for so long. This keeps the tank clean — all you need to do is issue a quick clean every three months, and you’re good to go.

Pros

  • Large coverage area of 4,000 square feet.
  • Easy to control the humidity levels.
  • Easy to install.
  • Flow-Through Technology keeps the unit clean.

Cons

  • Some of the parts were missing when delivered.
  • You need a floor drain attached.

Product Specs

Output Not specified
Tank Capacity Not specified since it uses Flow-Through Technology
Room Coverage 4,000 square feet
Running Time Automatic
Weight 14.2 pounds

Our Ratings

Performance
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 5
Capacity
5 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier

Best Cool Mist Humidifier

Cool mist humidifiers are great, especially if you have little ones or pets. They can’t burn themselves on the AquaOasis cool mist humidifier.

This stylish humidifier is excellent for small rooms or even larger office spaces. The mist output can be fully adjusted with 360 degrees rotating nozzle leaving no space in the room dry and humid. We love that it operates quietly, which is suitable to use in every nursery or in your room.

The customizable settings also allow you to choose between several mist options. On the continuous setting, it can run up to 24 hours on the low mist mode.

What we love about this product is its great value for money as it offers a lifetime large water tank replacement warranty.

Pros

  • Customizable settings to choose from.
  • 360 degrees rotating nozzle.
  • Whisper quiet which is great for nighttime.
  • Automatically shuts off when empty.
  • Lasts for longer than 24 hours per tank.

Cons

  • A bit difficult to clean.
  • You need to fill it with distilled water.
  • It’s awkward to refill.

Product Specs

Output Not specified
Tank Capacity 0.58 gallons
Room Coverage Not specified
Running Time 24 hours
Weight 2.21 pounds

Our Ratings

Performance
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
4.5 / 5
Capacity
3 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

This humidifier has significantly improved my health and overall well-being, making it easier to breathe and reducing the dryness in my living space. The quiet operation is a major plus, and it's easy to refill and use. However, it does require frequent cleaning to prevent mold and unpleasant odors from developing in the base. I found that it needs to be refilled daily, as it doesn't quite last the advertised 24 hours on a full tank. Despite these minor drawbacks, I am very satisfied with the performance of this product and highly recommend it to others experiencing the negative effects of dry air.

Elechomes UC5501 Humidifier

Best Warm Mist Humidifier

Warm mist humidifiers have the bonus feature of warming your home as well as humidifying. If you live in a particularly cold area, the Elechomes humidifier is one to consider.

This good humidifier has a strong capacity of 1.58 gallons, allowing it to run continually for 60 hours. You don’t need to think about refilling it constantly. Perfect for relaxing!

In general, we recommend avoiding warm mist filters in areas where your kids or pets hang out. It’s a good one for your bedroom, though.

However, if you want to use this in other rooms, you can easily switch to the cool mist option.

Finally, this humidifier has a sleep mode. It changes from the warm mist and generates a cool mist in the room when you switch it to sleep mode, providing you with a beautiful slumber. In addition, you can also add essential oils to this humidifier. Lavender is great for sleep time.

Pros

  • Sleep mode runs quietly with no light.
  • Comes with a remote control for convenience.
  • 60 hours of continuous use.
  • High mist output.
  • 360-degree adjustable nozzles.
  • Provides both cool and warm mist.

Cons

  • Water filters must be purchased separately.
  • It beeps when you turn it on and when it’s low on water.
  • The built-in hygrometer isn’t always accurate.

Product Specs

Output Not specified
Tank Capacity 1.58 gallons
Room Coverage 400 square feet
Running Time 60 hours
Weight 2.21 pounds

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 5
Capacity
4.5 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

From the four different humidifiers my wife and I purchased, this product stands out for its excellent output and warm mist feature. We love the large tank capacity and the concentric output vents, which allow for directing mist in separate directions. The only downside is the bottom fill tank design, making it a bit inconvenient when refilling. We also noticed that the built-in hygrometer isn't very accurate, especially in larger rooms. Despite these minor drawbacks, I would still highly recommend this humidifier for its performance and features.

Levoit Ultrasonic Air Humidifier

Best Ultrasonic Humidifier

We’ve raved about ultrasonic humidifiers. We love them because they are quiet and offer both cool and warm mist. The Levoit Ultrasonic Air Humidifier gets a green light from us!

This is a germ-free and super quiet ultrasonic humidifier. Of course, it offers both warm and cool mist.

The warm mist helps to kill bacteria and humidifies the room quickly. The cool mist keeps your sinuses and skin hydrated, especially during the summer months.

We love how convenient it is, too. It has low noise, a timer to automatically shut off, a remote control, and a built-in sensor to detect your home’s humidity levels. Therefore, you don’t need to do much work; the gadget does the hard stuff for you!

If you have a bigger home, this humidifier is one to consider. It can cover over 700 square feet. Plus, its sleek and modern design should look good in most homes.

Pros

  • High mist output (500 ml/h).
  • Warm and cool mist settings.
  • 50-hour usage.
  • Automatic mode takes away the guesswork.
  • Works fast, raising humidity by 10 percent in 20 minutes.
  • Less than 28 decibels.

Cons

  • Some reports of leaking.
  • The bottom fill design is inconvenient.
  • The built-in hygrometer isn’t always accurate.

Product Specs

Output 500 ml/h
Tank Capacity 1.58 gallons
Room Coverage 753 square feet
Running Time 50 hours
Weight 4.92 pounds

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Noise Level
4.5 / 5
Capacity
4.5 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I recently purchased this humidifier and have been using it for about a month. It's been great at adding moisture to the air, especially during the dry winter months. The hot and cool steam options are a nice touch, allowing for customization based on personal preference. However, I did notice that the built-in hygrometer isn't very accurate, so I suggest getting a separate one for more precise humidity readings.

Sharp PlasmaCluster Air Purifier Humidifier

Best Air Purifier And Humidifier Combo

We recommend the Sharp PlasmaCluster Air Purifier Humidifier if you want a combo product. Air purifiers help to improve air quality inside your home — a place that is often more polluted than the outside world.

This device uses its thorough filters and ionizer to truly purify the air in your home. The multiple sensors keep track of the air quality around you, so you don’t have to.

The PlasmaCluster covers up to 254 square feet. It’s better suited for smaller homes. We recommend using this in your bedroom or living room.

Additionally, you can use the lowest setting and dim lighting to set the mood for a perfect night’s sleep. Also, the true HEPA filter on this purifier humidifier combo only needs to be changed every two to five years, depending on the usage amount. So it keeps operating costs low.

Finally, it offers a fancy quick clean mode to take the ease out of this boring task.

Pros

  • True HEPA filter.
  • Automatic air quality control.
  • Meets safety standards.
  • Long filter life.
  • Quick and easy to clean.
  • Three fan speeds to choose from.

Cons

  • Expensive price point.
  • Emits a little ozone which is a respiratory irritator.
  • It’s quite noisy.

Product Specs

Output Not available (intakes air)
Tank Capacity Not available (uses filters)
Room Coverage 254 square feet
Running Time Not specified
Weight 20.5 pounds

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Noise Level
3 / 5
Capacity
3.5 / 5
Energy Efficiency
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

User Experience

Love how this product has improved the air quality in my home for over a year now. The display showing air quality is a helpful feature, and the device quickly detects any changes in the environment, like cooking odors or smoke. Although the ion generator function stopped working at one point, I was able to fix it by cleaning the generators. The humidifier feature works well, but I haven't used it much due to the humidity in my area.

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Humidifier

Best for Babies

Investing in a humidifier for your baby’s room is always a good idea. It can increase the air quality around them while greatly benefiting their skin and breathing. That’s why we recommend the Pure Enrichment MistAire.

This product comes with a night function. It has a soothing glow which can help with relaxation and sleep. Your baby will love the sensations that come with this humidifier.

Don’t worry about noise, either. It has a whisper-quiet operation.

The MistAire can run for up to 25 hours. When it’s empty, it automatically shuts off, too.

This stylish and simple design looks good in any room. Plus, its small size makes it easy to squeeze into smaller areas.

If your baby struggles with cracked skin, sinus problems, and viral infections, this humidifier can help. Customers have reported that they sleep much better since purchasing this humidifier. Some have even reported that it’s also helped with headaches.

Pros

  • Easy to use and refill.
  • Inexpensive price point.
  • Night mode with optional night light.
  • Whisper-quiet operation.
  • 360-degree mist nozzle.
  • Easy to clean.

Cons

  • Easy to spill.
  • Leaves behind a residue if you use tap water in a hard-water area.
  • Doesn’t increase humidity levels quickly.

Product Specs

Output 150 ml/h
Tank Capacity 57 ounces
Room Coverage 250 square feet
Running Time 25 hours
Weight 1.35 pounds

Our Ratings

Performance
4 / 5
Noise Level
4.5 / 5
Capacity
3 / 5
Energy Efficiency
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

As a proud owner of the MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, I can confidently say that this product has significantly improved my room's atmosphere. While it's crucial to use distilled water to avoid mineral buildup, the humidifier has performed exceptionally well in maintaining a comfortable environment. Additionally, the built-in night light has provided a soothing ambiance for my children, easing their fear of the dark. Despite a minor incident where the humidifier broke, the customer support was highly efficient and helpful in providing a hassle-free replacement.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Output Tank Capacity Room Coverage Running Time Weight
Geniani Erie Humidifier Personal Humidifier N/A 8.45 oz 65 sq ft 8 hours 8.8 oz
GeneralAire 1000A Humidifier Furnace Humidifier 96 oz p/h N/A 3,000 sq ft Auto 10 lbs
Levoit Cool Mist Humidifier Filterless Humidifier N/A 1.58 gallons 215—505 sq ft 60 hours 4.3 lbs
Raydrop Cool Mist Diffuser Humidifier Combo n/a 0.66 gallons 250 sq ft 30 hours 1.94 lbs
Honeywell Home Whole House Humidifier Whole House Humidifier N/A N/A 4,000 sq ft Auto 14.2lbs
AquaOasis Cool Mist Cool Mist Humidifier N/A 0.58 gallons N/A 24 hours 2.21 lbs
Elechomes UC5501 Humidifier Warm Mist Humidifier N/A 1.58 gallons 400 sq ft 60 hours 2.21 lbs
Levoit Ultrasonic Air Humidifier Ultrasonic Humidifier 500 ml/h 1.58 gallons 753 sq ft 50 hours 4.92 lbs
Sharp PlasmaCluster Air Purifier Air Purifier & Humidifier Combo N/A N/A 254 sq ft N/A 20.5 lbs
Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic For Babies 150 ml/h 57 oz 250 sq ft 25 hours 1.35 lbs

Do I Need a Humidifier?

Not everyone needs a humidifier, but there are some signs that you might. These include:

  • Having dry air in the house.
  • Chronic runny nose.
  • Hay fever.
  • Nose bleeds.
  • Asthma and allergy attacks.
  • Sinus congestion.
  • Dry throat.

Ideal Indoor Humidity

When it comes to dry air, how do you know if you have it? Well, the ideal indoor humidity is between 30 and 50 percent (1). The way to check this is to buy a hygrometer. You can get one in a drugstore.

Place the hygrometer in the room you want to check and follow the instructions. The hygrometer will give you a percentage.

If the humidity level is less than 30 percent, it’s too low, and you should get a good humidifier. If it’s above 50 percent, it’s too high, and therefore, you need more air circulation. You can do this by opening windows or buying a dehumidifier (2).

Bonus Tip

If you don’t want to purchase a hygrometer, there are signs you can check that will show you have low humidity. These include getting shocked whenever you touch a doorknob or if your flower vases need to be refilled daily.

What Size Humidifier Do I Need?

Each humidifier is designed for a different room size. The manufacturer will specify the square footage the humidifier is made for. Make sure to get one that covers the room you need it for.

If you need humidity throughout your home, you will need an entire home humidifier, which we can recommend to you in this article.

Types of Humidifiers

When buying a humidifier, don’t be fooled into buying the first one you see. There are lots of different types, all intended for different purposes. That’s why you must read through this article to find the best one for you, your needs, and your home.

Ultrasonic Warm or Cool Mist

Ultrasonic cool or warm mist humidifiers offer both warm and cool mist. Warm mist is excellent for winter because it heats the room a little. Cool mist is ideal all year round, especially in the summer.

These humidifiers are quiet because there are no fans or steam noises. The plates inside vibrate at a high frequency to propel tiny water droplets, which create a mist.

Pros

  • Warm and cool mist option.
  • Quiet noise level.
  • Portable.
  • Easy to clean.
  • They are energy efficient.

Cons

  • Can leave white dust.
  • More expensive than other humidifiers.

Evaporative Cool Mist

Evaporative humidifiers evaporate moisture through a wicking filter. They’re less messy than other types of humidifiers.

In essence, the fan pulls in the air from the room and blows it through the wicking filter. Some of the water evaporates, and some of the water is added to the air to help with low humidity.

Because of the cool mist, these are ideal for homes with pets and children. There is no risk of burning yourself like there is with a warm mist humidifier.

Pros

  • Less messy.
  • Low maintenance.
  • Ideal for homes with children and pets.
  • No risk of burning yourself.
  • Quite affordable.

Cons

  • Noisy due to the fan system.
  • May accumulate mineral dust and bacteria.

Air Washers

Air washers (or purifiers) increase humidity levels while cleaning the air. Win-win!

The water and rotating discs remove impurities such as dust and pollen. In return, the humidifier returns humidified air into the room.

The main problem with this type is that they are high maintenance. They require frequent cleaning.

Pros

  • Cleans and humidifies the air.
  • Removes dust and pollen.
  • Minimizes viruses and bacteria in the home.
  • Helps with asthma and allergies.

Cons

  • High maintenance.
  • Need frequent cleaning.
  • Not as effective as buying two separate products.

Steam Vaporizer Warm Mist

This humidifier has a fancy heating element so that the water is warmed before it releases into the air. The significant benefit is that the hot water kills bacteria and organic compounds you don’t want in your house.

Of course, these pose a safety risk because of their high heat. So if you have children, avoid a steam vaporizer humidifier.

Pros

  • Warms the air.
  • Kills bacteria and organic compounds.
  • Good for flu symptoms.
  • You can sometimes add inhalants.
  • Quiet operation.

Cons

  • Risk of burns.
  • Not energy efficient.
  • Hard to clean.

Choosing the Best Humidifier

Getting down to business, how do you choose the best humidifier for you?

Room Size

First, consider your room size. This is the crucial element in deciding which humidifier to choose. Check your room’s square footage to ensure it pairs with the square foot coverage of the humidifier.

Generally, a tabletop humidifier is a good choice for small and medium-sized rooms. For large rooms, console humidifiers are best because they generate a lot of air through their spacious water tanks.

If you choose the wrong size, you could end up with too little or not enough moisture in the air. Not ideal.

Simplicity

It’s a good idea to get a humidifier that is easy to move around in case you want to rearrange furniture or move it between rooms.

You also want to check how simple it is to replace the wick, change the filters and clean your humidifier. If it’s too much of a hassle, it will get annoying.

Lastly, you want to think about the actual interface of the humidifier. Is it user-friendly?

Cleaning

We’ve mentioned the ease of cleaning humidifiers, but let’s dig a little deeper. In general, they need to be drained, rinsed, and dried daily. This is because bacteria love to grow in moist environments.

You definitely don’t want a build-up in your humidifier.

If not, the bacteria will just get rereleased into the air after a while. This can adversely affect you, especially if you have asthma or allergies.

Check the cleaning guide for a humidifier before purchase. Take note of how easy or difficult it will be to clean daily.

The Best Humidifier Brands

You may be familiar with some humidifier brands already. We’ll take you through a few brands to give you some background information and tell you what kind of products they offer.

Pure Enrichment

Pure enrichment has been making stylish and premium humidifiers since 2010. They encourage a healthy and balanced lifestyle. In fact, they built their brand starting with an air purifier.

In terms of humidifiers, they offer a wide range. They have evaporative, portable, cool mist, warm mist, and mini humidifiers. They promise satisfaction and quality with every purchase.

Honeywell

Honeywell is on a mission to provide cleaner air in homes. Their humidifiers have the power to trap dust and allergens, regulate humidity, and keep your house fresh. They note that having cleaner air can actually reduce energy costs, too.

In terms of humidity, Honeywell humidifiers affect the comfort of your home and the air you breathe. You can adjust the indoor climate with their range of humidifiers. This includes fan-powered steam, bypass, and flow-through humidifiers.

Levoit

Levoit has a wide range of humidifiers. They aim to maintain ideal humidity levels while creating a comfortable atmosphere that benefits you and your home.

Levoit humidifiers can moisturize your skin and relieve cold and allergy symptoms. Of course, as a result, they can also help with getting a night of good sleep.

On their list, Levoit has five ultrasonic humidifiers. They have a few cool mist ones, plus a hybrid model which emits cool or warm mist. They also have a 2-in-1 humidifier which doubles as a diffuser. Neat!

Boneco

For over 60 years, Boneco has been run by experts who aim to bring healthy air from the Swiss mountains into your home. What’s better than that?

Their research has focused on humidified room air. They’ve discovered that the risk of colds and infections is reduced with the correct level of humidity. It also helps prevent the sensitive skin of children and babies from drying out.

In their range, they have all the types of humidifiers we’ve mentioned so far. They also have air purifiers and air shower fans.

Crane

Crane has been operating since 2005 with the aim of caring for all our indoor needs. Their humidifiers have you in mind. They are built to relieve congestion to keep you and your family healthy.

Not only does Crane create great products, but their products are designed to be stylish and colorful. They offer humidifiers in a wide range of colors. They also have a monkey, hippo, and cow-shaped humidifiers — fun for your child’s bedroom.

According to Crane, their humidifiers prevent wallpaper and doors from wearing and tearing. They also note that their humidifiers help with sensitive skin, pet coughs, and snoring.

Vicks

Vicks is a well-known brand, probably most famous for its vapor rub. But did you know they also make humidifiers?

Vicks pins the importance of humidifiers on the healthy perks they can bring to your family. These include shortening the lifespan of flu viruses, relieving cold symptoms, promoting better sleep, relieving dry skin, and keeping your plants alive.

Their range of humidifiers spans from Ultrasonic cool mist to warm steam vaporizers to warm mist humidifiers.

TaoTronics

Their name sounds pretty futuristic, right? That’s because they are! They focus on smart products with the aim of benefiting your daily life. TaoTronics thrive on their easy-to-use interfaces and their modern aesthetic.

They currently sell headphones, Bluetooth adapters, lamps, and of course, humidifiers. You can find cool mist, warm mist, and large and small humidifiers. But that’s not all. They actually have humidifiers, especially for babies, and — wait for it — guitars.

Essick

Finally, we have our final favorite humidifier brand — Essick. Essick has actually been working for over 80 years. They specialize in whole-house and console humidifiers.

They also have a good range of commercial or residential properties. So, if you’re looking for a humidifier in your work offices, Essick can provide.

While their humidifiers aren’t the most aesthetic to look at, they provide a versatile collection. You can get portable, evaporative, mini, and tabletop humidifiers that will work hard to add moisture to the dry areas of your home.


Humidifier FAQs

What Is Humidifier Capacity?

The humidifier capacity is the maximum amount of water the humidifier can contain at once. This changes depending on your model. But it’s usually between eight ounces to two gallons of water.

The output is the maximum amount of water the humidifier can emit into the air each day. Most humidifiers have a higher output maximum than capacity maximum. How long this takes depends on the speed setting you choose.

How Do I Add Water to the Humidifier?

Adding water to your humidifier is essential. Once you’ve cleaned the reservoir, fill it back up with distilled water.

Some humidifiers will specify that tap water is okay. However, distilled water is free of additives, so it is always best.

Your humidifier should have a maximum capacity line for the amount of water necessary. If a filter needs to be added directly to the water, do it now.

How Often Will I Need to Refill My Humidifier?

The bigger the tank, the less often you need to refill your humidifier. If you choose a smaller humidifier, like a portable one, and use it throughout the day and night, plan to refill it about every 24 hours.

Alternatively, if you use the humidifier sparingly, this can also limit the number of times you need to refill it.

Ultimately, it depends on which model you choose, so read the manufacturer’s guide.

Can I Use Hard Water to Fill My Humidifier?

If you live in a hard water area, you’ll need a humidifier with a mineral cartridge. These absorb the mineral content to reduce the spread of these minerals back into the air.

You will also need to clean your humidifier and cartridge frequently. If you don’t have a mineral cartridge, switch your hard water to distilled water.

Can I Use Essential Oils in My Humidifier?

You guessed it: read the manufacturer’s guide. It will tell you if your specific humidifier works with essential oils.

It is a lovely thought that you could scent your air while adding moisture. So you might want to choose an aroma diffuser. If you do, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the water tank for a pleasant humidifier experience.

How Close Should a Humidifier Be to Your Bed?

Your humidifier should be no closer than three feet to your bed. If possible, raise it off the ground by at least two feet, and keep it away from sunlight.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!